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47 ud af 47 tidsskrifter valgt, søgeord (covid) valgt, emner højest 180 dage gamle, sorteret efter nyeste først.
1255 emner vises.
John Zarocostas
Lancet, 19.01.2024
Tilføjet 19.01.2024
Sania Nishtar has been appointed to lead the vaccine organisation as it decides how to spend billions of dollars left over from the COVID-19 response. John Zarocostas reports.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBin Cao, Yeming Wang, Hongzhou Lu, Chaolin Huang, Yumei Yang, Lianhan Shang, Zhu Chen, Rongmeng Jiang, Yihe Liu, Ling Lin, Ping Peng, Fuxiang Wang, Fengyun Gong, Honglin Hu, Cong Cheng, Xiangyang Yao, Xianwei Ye, Hourong Zhou, Yinzhong Shen, Chenfan Liu, Chunying Wang, Zhennan Yi, Bijie Hu, Jiuyang Xu, Xiaoying Gu, Jingshan Shen, Yechun Xu, Leike Zhang, Jia Fan, Renhong Tang, Chen Wang
New England Journal of Medicine, 18.01.2024
Tilføjet 18.01.2024
New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 390, Issue 3, Page 230-241, January 2024.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 18.01.2024
Tilføjet 18.01.2024
Abstract Background Whether human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) carriers can develop sufficient humoral immunity after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination is unknown. Methods To investigate humoral immunity after COVID-19 vaccination in HTLV-1 carriers, a multicenter, prospective observational cohort study was conducted at five institutions in southwestern Japan, an endemic area for HTLV-1. HTLV-1 carriers and HTLV-1-negative controls were enrolled for this study from January to December 2022. During this period, the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine was actively administered. HTLV-1 carriers were enrolled during outpatient visits, while HTLV-1-negative controls included health care workers and patients treated by participating institutions for diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia. The main outcome was the effect of HTLV-1 infection on the plasma anti-COVID-19 spike IgG (IgG-S) titers after the third dose, assessed by multivariate linear regression with other clinical factors. Results We analyzed 181 cases (90 HTLV-1 carriers, 91 HTLV-1-negative controls) after receiving the third dose. HTLV-1 carriers were older (median age 67.0 vs. 45.0 years, p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedAnita Kovács, Dóra Hantosi, Nikoletta Szabó, Annamária Letoha, Csaba Lengyel, Imre Földesi, Katalin Burián, András Palkó, Dániel Veréb, Zsigmond Tamás Kincses
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 18.01.2024
Tilføjet 18.01.2024
by Anita Kovács, Dóra Hantosi, Nikoletta Szabó, Annamária Letoha, Csaba Lengyel, Imre Földesi, Katalin Burián, András Palkó, Dániel Veréb, Zsigmond Tamás Kincses Objectives Emerging results indicate that, in COVID-19, thromboembolic complications contribute to the high mortality and morbidity. Previous research showed that the prevalence of pulmonary embolism (PE) is between 25–50% in COVID-19 patients, however, most of these reports are based on data from patients with severe pneumonia, treated in intensive care units. Materials and methods We conducted a retrospective, single-center, observational study to estimate the prevalence of PE in COVID-19 patients who underwent CT angiography and to identify the most important predictors.Adult outpatients with COVID-19, who presented at our COVID Outpatient Clinic between 1st and 31st of March in 2021 and underwent CTA examination were included in this study. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify predictors of PE in COVID-19 patients. The predictors were: age, gender, disease duration, CT severity index and log-transformed quantitative D-dimer (logQDDIM) value. Results 843 COVID-19 patients were included into the study. 82.56% (693 patients) of the infected patients had a pulmonary CTA examination and D-dimer levels (mean age: 59.82 years ± 15.66). 7.61% (53 patients) of the patients had PE. 2.02% (14 patients) of the patients had main branch or lobar PE.The multiple regression analysis found that only logQDDIM was a significant predictor. A logQDDIM cut-off value of 0.0169 (1.0171 ug/ml serum D-dimer) predicted PE with 99% sensitivity (p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMicah Y. BaumBrian A. JacobaGerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109bNational Bureau of Economic Research, Cambridge, MA 02138
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 17.01.2024
Tilføjet 17.01.2024
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Volume 121, Issue 3, January 2024.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedIda PacielloGiuseppe MaccariElisa PantanoEmanuele AndreanoRino RappuoliaMonoclonal Antibody Discovery Lab, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, Siena 53100, ItalybData Science for Health Lab, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, Siena 53100, ItalycDepartment of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena 53100, ItalydFondazione Biotecnopolo di Siena, Siena 53100, Italy
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 17.01.2024
Tilføjet 17.01.2024
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Volume 121, Issue 3, January 2024.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedThomas S. DeeaGraduate School of Education, Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 17.01.2024
Tilføjet 17.01.2024
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Volume 121, Issue 3, January 2024.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJournal of Infectious Diseases, 17.01.2024
Tilføjet 17.01.2024
Abstract Background Factors influencing susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 remain to be resolved. Using data of the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS) on 6,270 people with HIV (PWH) and serologic assessment for SARS-CoV-2 and circulating-human-coronavirus (HCoV) antibodies, we investigated the association of HIV-related and general parameters with SARS-CoV-2 infection.Methods We analyzed SARS-CoV-2 PCR-tests, COVID-19 related hospitalizations, and deaths reported to the SHCS between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021. Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 and HCoVs were determined in pre-pandemic (2019) and pandemic (2020) bio-banked plasma and compared to HIV-negative individuals. We applied logistic regression, conditional logistic regression, and Bayesian multivariate regression to identify determinants of SARS-CoV-2 infection and Ab responses to SARS-CoV-2 in PWH.Results No HIV-1-related factors were associated with SARS-CoV-2 acquisition. High pre-pandemic HCoV antibodies were associated with a lower risk of subsequent SARS-CoV-2 infection and with higher SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses upon infection. We observed a robust protective effect of smoking on SARS-CoV-2-infection risk (aOR= 0.46 [0.38,0.56], p=2.6*10-14), which occurred even in previous smokers, and was highest for heavy smokers.Conclusions Our findings of two independent protective factors, smoking and HCoV antibodies, both affecting the respiratory environment, underscore the importance of the local immune milieu in regulating susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedDuncan, Maggie C.; Omondi, F. Harrison; Kinloch, Natalie N.; Lapointe, Hope R.; Speckmaier, Sarah; Moran-Garcia, Nadia; Lawson, Tanya; DeMarco, Mari L.; Simons, Janet; Holmes, Daniel T.; Lowe, Christopher F.; Bacani, Nic; Sereda, Paul; Barrios, Rolando; Harris, Marianne; Romney, Marc G.; Montaner, Julio S.G.; Brumme, Chanson J.; Brockman, Mark A.; Brumme, Zabrina L.
AIDS, 17.01.2024
Tilføjet 17.01.2024
Objective: The immunogenic nature of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines led to some initial concern that these could stimulate the HIV reservoir. We analyzed changes in plasma HIV loads (pVL) and reservoir size following COVID-19 mRNA vaccination in 62 people with HIV (PWH) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), and analyzed province-wide trends in pVL before and after the mass vaccination campaign. Design: Longitudinal observational cohort and province-wide analysis. Methods: 62 participants were sampled pre-vaccination, and one month after their first and second COVID-19 immunizations. Vaccine-induced anti-SARS-CoV-2-Spike antibodies in serum were measured using the Roche Elecsys Anti-S assay. HIV reservoirs were quantified using the Intact Proviral DNA Assay; pVL were measured using the cobas 6800 (LLOQ:20 copies/mL). The province-wide analysis included all 290,401 pVL performed in British Columbia, Canada between 2012-2022. Results: Pre-vaccination, the median intact reservoir size was 77 (IQR:20–204) HIV copies/million CD4+ T-cells, compared to 74 (IQR:27–212) and 65 (IQR:22–174) post-first and -second dose, respectively (all comparisons p>0.07). Pre-vaccination, 82% of participants had pVL 0.4). There was no evidence that the magnitude of the vaccine-elicited anti-SARS-CoV-2-Spike immune response influenced pVL nor changes in reservoir size (p > 0.6). We found no evidence linking the COVID-19 mass vaccination campaign to population-level increases in detectable pVL frequency among all PWH in the province, nor among those who maintained pVL suppression on ART. Conclusion: We found no evidence that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines induced changes in HIV reservoir size nor plasma viremia. Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMacías-González, Fernando; Vermandere, Heleen; Piñeirúa-Menendez, Alicia; Bautista-Arredondo, Sergio
AIDS, 17.01.2024
Tilføjet 17.01.2024
Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the disruption in HIV screening and diagnoses due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to investigate the pandemic\'s subsequent influence on the HIV epidemic. Design: A retrospective examination of testing and confirmed diagnoses time series was undertaken from 2011 to 2022. The analysis encompassed testing, positive tests, positivity rates, and diagnosis outcomes, including new HIV diagnoses, asymptomatic HIV diagnoses, and symptomatic HIV diagnoses. Methods: We used Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models to estimate the COVID-19 epidemic\'s impact on screening and diagnosis outcomes. We gauged the pandemic\'s effect between January 2020 and December 2022 by comparing modeled predicted results with actual outcomes. Results: The advent of COVID-19 prompted a reduction of 50.7% in HIV testing, followed by a monthly escalation in testing afterward, estimated at 30.2% and 65.1% for 2021 and 2022, respectively. While new diagnoses reported between 2020 and 2022 gradually increased to pre-pandemic levels, we estimate a gap of 13,207 new diagnoses, with symptomatic detections increasing more than proportionally in 2021 and 2022. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in missed HIV diagnoses and a rise in late HIV diagnoses. Implementing tailored post-COVID-19 strategies to accelerate timely HIV testing and prevention is needed to avert additional burdens and remain on track toward achieving the 2030 HIV management goals. Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMagdi E. A. Zaki, Sami A. AL-Hussain, Aamal A. Al-Mutairi, Abdul Samad, Vijay H. Masand, Rahul G. Ingle, Vivek Digamber Rathod, Nikita Maruti Gaikwad, Summya Rashid, Pravin N. Khatale, Pramod V. Burakale, Rahul D. Jawarkar
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 17.01.2024
Tilføjet 17.01.2024
by Magdi E. A. Zaki, Sami A. AL-Hussain, Aamal A. Al-Mutairi, Abdul Samad, Vijay H. Masand, Rahul G. Ingle, Vivek Digamber Rathod, Nikita Maruti Gaikwad, Summya Rashid, Pravin N. Khatale, Pramod V. Burakale, Rahul D. Jawarkar Several studies have revealed that SARS-CoV-2 damages brain function and produces significant neurological disability. The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, may infect the heart, kidneys, and brain. Recent research suggests that monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) may be involved in metabolomics variations in delirium-prone individuals and severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. In light of this situation, we have employed a variety of computational to develop suitable QSAR model using PyDescriptor and genetic algorithm-multilinear regression (GA-MLR) models (R2 = 0.800–793, Q2LOO = 0.734–0.727, and so on) on the data set of 106 molecules whose anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity was empirically determined. QSAR models generated follow OECD standards and are predictive. QSAR model descriptors were also observed in x-ray-resolved structures. After developing a QSAR model, we did a QSAR-based virtual screening on an in-house database of 200 compounds and found a potential hit molecule. The new hit’s docking score (-8.208 kcal/mol) and PIC50 (7.85 M) demonstrated a significant affinity for SARS-CoV-2’s main protease. Based on post-covid neurodegenerative episodes in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s-like disorders and MAO-B’s role in neurodegeneration, the initially disclosed hit for the SARS-CoV-2 main protease was repurposed against the MAO-B receptor using receptor-based molecular docking, which yielded a docking score of -12.0 kcal/mol. This shows that the compound that inhibits SARS-CoV-2’s primary protease may bind allosterically to the MAO-B receptor. We then did molecular dynamic simulations and MMGBSA tests to confirm molecular docking analyses and quantify binding free energy. The drug-receptor complex was stable during the 150-ns MD simulation. The first computational effort to show in-silico inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and allosteric interaction of novel inhibitors with MAO-B in post-covid neurodegenerative symptoms and other disorders. The current study seeks a novel compound that inhibits SAR’s COV-2 Mpro and perhaps binds MAO-B allosterically. Thus, this study will enable scientists design a new SARS-CoV-2 Mpro that inhibits the MAO-B receptor to treat post-covid neurological illness.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJournal of the American Medical Association, 16.01.2024
Tilføjet 16.01.2024
COVID-19 was a principal driver behind a 77% higher mortality rate in 2020 than in 2019 among people incarcerated in US prisons, according to data from 48 Departments of Corrections. The researchers noted that increased mortality among the general population was much lower early in the pandemic—23% between 2020 and 2021.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedLi Guo, Qiao Zhang, Xiaoying Gu, Lili Ren, Tingxuan Huang, Yanan Li, Hui Zhang, Ying Liu, Jingchuan Zhong, Xinming Wang, Lan Chen, Yin Zhang, Danyang Li, Meiyu Fang, Liuhui Xu, Haibo Li, Zai Wang, Hui Li, Tao Bai, Wen Liu, Yanchun Peng, Tao Dong, Bin Cao, Jianwei Wang
The Lancet Microbe, 16.01.2024
Tilføjet 16.01.2024
This study improves the understanding of the duration of SARS-CoV-2-specific immunity without boosting, which has implications for the design of vaccination regimens and programmes. Our data suggest that memory T-cell responses primed by initial viral infection remain highly cross-reactive after 2 years. With the increasing emergence of variants, effective vaccines should be introduced to boost neutralising antibody and overall T-cell responses to newly emerged SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedCourtney P Olwagen, Sarah L Downs, Alane Izu, Lebohang Tharasimbi, Lara Van Der Merwe, Marta C Nunes, Shabir A Madhi
The Lancet Microbe, 16.01.2024
Tilføjet 16.01.2024
There were variable effects on the colonisation prevalence and density of bacterial organisms during the COVID-19 compared with the pre-COVID-19 period. The lower prevalence of PCV13 serotype together with other respiratory organisms including non-typeable H influenzae and M catarrhalis could have in part contributed to a decrease in all-cause lower respiratory tract infections observed in South Africa during the initial stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pathophysiological mechanism for the increase in A baumannii and S aureus colonisation warrants further investigation, as does the clinical relevance of these findings.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 15.01.2024
Tilføjet 15.01.2024
BMC Infectious Diseases, 15.01.2024
Tilføjet 15.01.2024
Abstract Background and objectives Pediatric COVID-19 cases are often mild or asymptomatic, which has complicated estimations of disease burden using existing testing practices. We aimed to determine the age-specific population seropositivity and risk factors of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity among children and young adults during the pandemic in British Columbia (BC). Methods We conducted two cross-sectional serosurveys: phase 1 enrolled children and adults
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 15.01.2024
Tilføjet 15.01.2024
Abstract Brief summary In early symptomatic COVID-19 treatment, high dose oral favipiravir did not accelerate viral clearance. Background Favipiravir, an anti-influenza drug, has in vitro antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2. Clinical trial evidence to date is inconclusive. Favipiravir has been recommended for the treatment of COVID-19 in some countries. Methods In a multicentre open-label, randomised, controlled, adaptive platform trial, low-risk adult patients with early symptomatic COVID-19 were randomised to one of ten treatment arms including high dose oral favipiravir (3.6g on day 0 followed by 1.6g daily to complete 7 days treatment) or no study drug. The primary outcome was the rate of viral clearance (derived under a linear mixed-effects model from the daily log10 viral densities in standardised duplicate oropharyngeal swab eluates taken daily over 8 days [18 swabs per patient]), assessed in a modified intention-to-treat population (mITT). The safety population included all patients who received at least one dose of the allocated intervention. This ongoing adaptive platform trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05041907) on 13/09/2021. Results In the final analysis, the mITT population contained data from 114 patients randomised to favipiravir and 126 patients randomised concurrently to no study drug. Under the linear mixed-effects model fitted to all oropharyngeal viral density estimates in the first 8 days from randomisation (4,318 swabs), there was no difference in the rate of viral clearance between patients given favipiravir and patients receiving no study drug; a -1% (95% credible interval: -14 to 14%) difference. High dose favipiravir was well-tolerated. Interpretation Favipiravir does not accelerate viral clearance in early symptomatic COVID-19. The viral clearance rate estimated from quantitative measurements of oropharyngeal eluate viral densities assesses the antiviral efficacy of drugs in vivo with comparatively few studied patients.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 15.01.2024
Tilføjet 15.01.2024
Abstract Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted multiple health services, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing, care, and treatment services, jeopardizing the achievement of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS 90-90-90 global target. While there are limited studies assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Latin America, there are none, to our knowledge, in Venezuela. This study aims to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among PLHIV seen at the outpatient clinic of a reference hospital in Venezuela. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study among PLHIV aged 18 years and over seen at the Infectious Diseases Department of the University Hospital of Caracas, Venezuela between March 2021 and February 2022. Results A total of 238 PLHIV were included in the study. The median age was 43 (IQR 31–55) years, and the majority were male (68.9%). Most patients (88.2%, n = 210) came for routine check-ups, while 28 (11.3%) were newly diagnosed. The majority of patients (96.1%) were on antiretroviral therapy (ART), but only 67.8% had a viral load test, with almost all (95.6%) being undetectable. Among those who attended regular appointments, 11.9% reported missing at least one medical consultation, and 3.3% reported an interruption in their ART refill. More than half of the patients (55.5%) had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while the rest expressed hesitancy to get vaccinated. Most patients with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy were male (65.1%), younger than 44 years (57.5%), employed (47.2%), and had been diagnosed with HIV for less than one year (33%). However, no statistically significant differences were found between vaccinated patients and those with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Older age was a risk factor for missing consultations, while not having an alcoholic habit was identified as a protective factor against missing consultations. Conclusion This study found that the COVID-19 pandemic had a limited impact on adherence to medical consultations and interruptions in ART among PLHIV seen at the University Hospital of Caracas, Venezuela.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 15.01.2024
Tilføjet 15.01.2024
Abstract Background Around 10% of people infected by SARS-COV-2 report symptoms that persist longer than 3 months. Little has been reported about sex differences in symptoms and clustering over time of non-hospitalised patients in primary care settings. Methods This is a descriptive study of a cohort of mainly non-hospitalized patients with a persistence of symptoms longer than 3 months from the clinical onset in co-creation with the Long Covid Catalan affected group using an online survey. Recruitment was from March 2020 to June 2021. Exclusion criteria were being admitted to an ICU,
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 15.01.2024
Tilføjet 15.01.2024
Abstract Background The Omicron wave of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains the dominant strain worldwide. The studies of nutritional status in geriatric people with COVID-19 Omicron variant are limited. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of poor nutritional status among Omicron infected older patients, and to explore the correlation between the nutritional status and the severity of Omicron infection in older patients. Methods This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. According to the clinical symptoms, patients were divided into two groups: mild and moderate to severe. Mini Nutritional Assessment short-form (MNA-SF) was conducted when patients were admitted and poor nutritional status was defined as MNA-SF score of 0–11. The inflammatory markers including neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and systemic inflammatory index (SII) were calculated and compared between two groups. Results Total of 324 patients were enrolled, with median [interquartile range (IQR)] age of 73 (17) years. Overall, 241 cases were mild, 83 cases were moderate to severe at the time of diagnosis and that 54.3% of patients had poor nutritional status. Patients with poor nutritional status were found to be older (P
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedInfectious Disease Modelling, 13.01.2024
Tilføjet 13.01.2024
Publication date: Available online 12 January 2024 Source: Infectious Disease Modelling Author(s): Ashley N. Micuda, Mark R. Anderson, Irina Babayan, Erin Bolger, Logan Cantin, Gillian Groth, Ry Pressman-Cyna, Charlotte Z. Reed, Noah J. Rowe, Mehdi Shafiee, Benjamin Tam, Marie C. Vidal, Tianai Ye, Ryan D. Martin
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJournal of Infectious Diseases, 13.01.2024
Tilføjet 13.01.2024
Abstract Definitive data demonstrating the utility of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) convalescent plasma (CCP) for treating immunocompromised patients remains elusive. To better understand the mechanism of action of CCP, we studied viral replication and disease progression in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)–infected hamsters treated with CCP obtained from recovered COVID-19 patients that were also vaccinated with an mRNA vaccine, hereafter referred to as Vaxplas. Vaxplas transiently enhanced disease severity and lung pathology in hamsters treated near peak viral replication due to immune complex and activated complement deposition in pulmonary endothelium, and recruitment of M1 proinflammatory macrophages into the lung parenchyma. However, aside from one report, transient enhanced disease has not been reported in CCP recipient patients, and the transient enhanced disease in Vaxplas hamsters may have been due to mismatched species IgG-FcR interactions, infusion timing, or other experimental factors. Despite transient disease enhancement, Vaxplas dramatically reduced virus replication in lungs and improved infection outcome in SARS-CoV-2–infected hamsters.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedKosowan, L., Sanchez-Ramirez, D. C., Katz, A.
BMJ Open, 13.01.2024
Tilføjet 13.01.2024
ObjectiveThis study aims to characterise respondents who have COVID-19 and long COVID syndrome (LCS), and describe their symptoms and healthcare utilisation. DesignObservational cross-sectional survey. SettingThe one-time online survey was available from June 2022 to November 2022 to capture the experience of residents in Manitoba, Canada. ParticipantIndividuals shared their experience with COVID-19 including their COVID-19 symptoms, symptoms suggestive of LCS and healthcare utilisation. We used descriptive statistics to characterise patients with COVID-19, describe symptoms suggestive of LCS and explore respondent health system use based on presenting symptoms. ResultsThere were 654 Manitobans who responded to our survey, 616 (94.2%) of whom had or provided care to someone who had COVID-19, and 334 (54.2%) reported symptoms lasting 3 or more months. On average, respondents reported having 10 symptoms suggestive of LCS, with the most common being extreme fatigue (79.6%), issues with concentration, thinking and memory (76.6%), shortness of breath with activity (65.3%) and headaches (64.1%). Half of the respondents (49.2%) did not seek healthcare for COVID-19 or LCS. Primary care was sought by 66.2% respondents with symptoms suggestive of LCS, 15.2% visited an emergency department and 32.0% obtained care from a specialist or therapist. 62.6% of respondents with symptoms suggestive of LCS reported reducing work, school or other activities which demonstrate its impact on physical function and health-related quality of life. ConclusionConsistent with the literature, there are a variety of symptoms experienced among individuals with COVID-19 and LCS. Healthcare providers face challenge in providing care for patients with a wide range of symptoms unlikely to respond to a single intervention. These findings support the value of interdisciplinary COVID-19 clinics due to the complexity of the syndrome. This study confirms that data collected from the healthcare system do not provide a comprehensive reflection of LCS.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedPedrana, A., Bowring, A., Heath, K., Thomas, A. J., Wilkinson, A., Fletcher-Lartey, S., Saich, F., Munari, S., Oliver, J., Merner, B., Altermatt, A., Nguyen, T., Nguyen, L., Young, K., Kerr, P., Osborne, D., Kwong, E. J. L., Corona, M. V., Ke, T., Zhang, Y., Eisa, L., Al-Qassas, A., Malith, D., Davis, A., Gibbs, L., Block, K., Horyniak, D., Wallace, J., Power, R., Vadasz, D., Ryan, R., Shearer, F., Homer, C., Collie, A., Meagher, N., Danchin, M., Kaufman, J., Wang, P., Hassani, A., Sadewo, G. R. P., Robins, G., Gallagher, C., Matous, P., Roden, B., Karkavandi, M. A., Coutinho, J., Broccatelli, C., Koskinen, J., Curtis, S., Doyle, J. S., Geard, N., Hill, S., Coelho, A., Scott, N., Lusher, D., Stoove, M. A., Gibney, K. B., Hellard, M.
BMJ Open, 13.01.2024
Tilføjet 13.01.2024
IntroductionLongitudinal studies can provide timely and accurate information to evaluate and inform COVID-19 control and mitigation strategies and future pandemic preparedness. The Optimise Study is a multidisciplinary research platform established in the Australian state of Victoria in September 2020 to collect epidemiological, social, psychological and behavioural data from priority populations. It aims to understand changing public attitudes, behaviours and experiences of COVID-19 and inform epidemic modelling and support responsive government policy. Methods and analysisThis protocol paper describes the data collection procedures for the Optimise Study, an ongoing longitudinal cohort of ~1000 Victorian adults and their social networks. Participants are recruited using snowball sampling with a set of seeds and two waves of snowball recruitment. Seeds are purposively selected from priority groups, including recent COVID-19 cases and close contacts and people at heightened risk of infection and/or adverse outcomes of COVID-19 infection and/or public health measures. Participants complete a schedule of monthly quantitative surveys and daily diaries for up to 24 months, plus additional surveys annually for up to 48 months. Cohort participants are recruited for qualitative interviews at key time points to enable in-depth exploration of people’s lived experiences. Separately, community representatives are invited to participate in community engagement groups, which review and interpret research findings to inform policy and practice recommendations. Ethics and disseminationThe Optimise longitudinal cohort and qualitative interviews are approved by the Alfred Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee (# 333/20). The Optimise Study CEG is approved by the La Trobe University Human Ethics Committee (# HEC20532). All participants provide informed verbal consent to enter the cohort, with additional consent provided prior to any of the sub studies. Study findings will be disseminated through public website (https://optimisecovid.com.au/study-findings/) and through peer-reviewed publications. Trial registration numberNCT05323799.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedHayes, R., Dakin, F., Smuk, M., Paparini, S., Apea, V., Dewsnap, C., Waters, L., Anderson, J., Orkin, C. M.
BMJ Open, 13.01.2024
Tilføjet 13.01.2024
ObjectiveTo understand the experiences and perceptions of sexual health professionals responding to the May 2022 mpox outbreak in the UK. DesignCross-sectional, anonymous, online survey collecting quantitative and qualitative data. Convenience sample recruited via an international network of sexual health and HIV clinicians responding to mpox and promoted through clinical associations and social media. Survey domains included: clinical workload; preparedness, support, and training; safety at work; vaccination; and well-being. Qualitative descriptive analysis of open-text responses was conducted to support interpretation of the quantitative data. ParticipantsParticipants who were employed as sexual health professionals in the UK and had direct clinical experience of mpox were included in the analysis. The survey was completed between 11 August and 31 October 2022 by 139 respondents, the majority of whom were doctors (72.7%), cis-female (70.5%) and White (78.4%). Results70.3% reported that they were required to respond to mpox in addition to their existing clinical responsibilities, with 46.8% working longer hours as a result. In the open-text data, respondents highlighted that workload pressures were exacerbated by a lack of additional funding for mpox, pre-existing pressures on sexual health services, and unrealistic expectations around capacity. 67.6% of respondents reported experiencing negative emotional impact due to their mpox work, with stress (59.0%), fatigue (43.2%) and anxiety (36.0%) being the most common symptoms. 35.8% stated that they were less likely to remain in their profession because of their experiences during the mpox outbreak. In the open-text data, these feelings were ascribed to post-COVID exhaustion, understaffing and frustration among some participants at the handling of the mpox response. ConclusionsThese findings indicate that sexual health services require increased funding and resources, along with evidence-based well-being interventions, to support sexual health professionals’ outbreak preparedness and recovery.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedYuanting YangHeather MillerMaria G. ByazrovaFabio CndottiKamel BenlaghaNiels Olsen Saraiva CamaraJunming ShiHuamei ForsmanPamela LeeLu YangAlexander FilatovZhimin ZhaiChaohong Liua Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of Chinab Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of Chinac Cytek Biosciences, R&D Clinical Reagents, Fremont, CA, USAd Laboratory of Immunochemistry, National Research Center Institute of Immunology, Federal Medical Biological Agency of Russia, Moscow, Russiae Division of Immunology and Allergy, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerlandf Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis, Université de Paris, Paris, Franceg Laboratory of Human Immunology, Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazilh Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Swedeni Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kongj Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
Emerg Microbes Infect, 12.01.2024
Tilføjet 12.01.2024
Suratsawadee Wangnamthip, Nantthasorn Zinboonyahgoon, Pranee Rushatamukayanunt, Patcha Papaisarn, Burapa Pajina, Thanawut Jitsinthunun, Panuwat Promsin, Rujipas Sirijatuphat, César Fernández-de-las-Peñas, Lars Arendt-Nielsen, Daniel Ciampi de Andrade
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 12.01.2024
Tilføjet 12.01.2024
by Suratsawadee Wangnamthip, Nantthasorn Zinboonyahgoon, Pranee Rushatamukayanunt, Patcha Papaisarn, Burapa Pajina, Thanawut Jitsinthunun, Panuwat Promsin, Rujipas Sirijatuphat, César Fernández-de-las-Peñas, Lars Arendt-Nielsen, Daniel Ciampi de Andrade The COVID-19 pandemic has affected millions of individuals worldwide. Pain has emerged as a significant post-COVID-19 symptom. This study investigated the incidence, characteristics, and risk factors of post-COVID chronic pain (PCCP) in Thailand. A cross-sectional study was conducted in participants who had been infected, including those hospitalized and monitored at home by SARS-CoV-2 from August to September 2021. Data were collected for screening from medical records, and phone interviews were done between 3 to 6 months post-infection. Participants were classified into 1) no-pain, 2) PCCP, 3) chronic pain that has been aggravated by COVID-19, or 4) chronic pain that has not been aggravated by COVID-19. Pain interference and quality of life were evaluated with the Brief Pain Inventory and EuroQol Five Dimensions Five Levels Questionnaire. From 1,019 participants, 90% of the participants had mild infection, assessed by WHO progression scale. The overall incidence of PCCP was 3.2% (95% CI 2.3–4.5), with 2.8% (95% CI 2.0–4.1) in mild infection, 5.2% (95% CI 1.2–14.1) in moderate infection and 8.5% (95% CI 3.4–19.9) in severe infection. Most participants (83.3%) reported pain in the back and lower extremities and were classified as musculoskeletal pain and headache (8.3%). Risk factors associated with PCCP, included female sex (relative risk [RR] 2.2, 95% CI 1.0–4.9) and greater COVID-19 severity (RR 3.5, 95% CI 1.1–11.7). Participants with COVID-19-related exacerbated chronic pain displayed higher pain interferences and lower utility scores than other groups. In conclusion, this study highlights the incidence, features, and risk factors of post-COVID chronic pain (PCCP) in Thailand. It emphasizes the need to monitor and address PCCP, especially in severe cases, among females, and individuals with a history of chronic pain to improve their quality of life in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedIda PacielloGiuseppe MaccariElisa PantanoEmanuele AndreanoRino RappuoliaMonoclonal Antibody Discovery Lab, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, Siena 53100, ItalybData Science for Health Lab, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, Siena 53100, ItalycDepartment of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena 53100, ItalydFondazione Biotecnopolo di Siena, Siena 53100, Italy
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences: Immunology and Inflammation, 12.01.2024
Tilføjet 12.01.2024
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Volume 121, Issue 3, January 2024.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJournal of the American Medical Association, 12.01.2024
Tilføjet 12.01.2024
Collecting both nasal and throat specimens from people with COVID-19 symptoms resulted in more sensitive rapid antigen testing than when collecting only a nasal specimen, according to findings involving about 2900 participants aged 16 years or older in Denmark.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJournal of the American Medical Association, 12.01.2024
Tilføjet 12.01.2024
The Home Test to Treat program—a public health effort funded by the US National Institutes of Health—is now open to adults around the country after being piloted in select locations earlier this year, the agency announced. It’s the first public health program that provides at-home testing for both COVID-19 and influenza on a national scale.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJournal of the American Medical Association, 12.01.2024
Tilføjet 12.01.2024
This Medical News article discusses 2 new observational studies that examined associations with SARS-CoV-2 antiviral medications and long COVID.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedAndersen, K. M., McGrath, L. J., Reimbaeva, M., Mendes, D., Nguyen, J. L., Rai, K. K., Tritton, T., Tsang, C., Malhotra, D., Yang, J.
BMJ Open, 12.01.2024
Tilføjet 12.01.2024
ObjectiveTo create case definitions for confirmed COVID-19 diagnoses, COVID-19 vaccination status and three separate definitions of high risk of severe COVID-19, as well as to assess whether the implementation of these definitions in a cohort reflected the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 epidemiology in England. DesignRetrospective cohort study. SettingElectronic healthcare records from primary care (Clinical Practice Research Datalink, CPRD) linked to secondary care data (Hospital Episode Statistics) data covering 24% of the population in England. Participants2 271 072 persons aged 1 year and older diagnosed with COVID-19 in CPRD Aurum between 1 August 2020 and 31 January 2022. Main outcome measuresAge, sex and regional distribution of COVID-19 cases and COVID-19 vaccine doses received prior to diagnosis were assessed separately for the cohorts of cases identified in primary care and those hospitalised for COVID-19 (primary diagnosis code of ICD-10 U07.1 ‘COVID-19’). Smoking status, body mass index and Charlson Comorbidity Index were compared for the two cohorts, as well as for three separate definitions of high risk of severe disease used in the UK (National Health Service Highest Risk, PANORAMIC trial eligibility, UK Health Security Agency Clinical Risk prioritisation for vaccination). ResultsCompared with national estimates, CPRD case estimates under-represented older adults in both the primary care (age 65–84: 6% in CPRD vs 9% nationally) and hospitalised (31% vs 40%) cohorts, and over-represented people living in regions with the highest median wealth areas of England (20% primary care and 20% hospital admitted cases in South East vs 15% nationally). The majority of non-hospitalised cases and all hospitalised cases had not completed primary series vaccination. In primary care, persons meeting high-risk definitions were older, more often smokers, overweight or obese, and had higher Charlson Comorbidity Index score. ConclusionsCPRD primary care data are a robust real-world data source and can be used for some COVID-19 research questions, however, limitations of the data availability should be carefully considered. Included in this publication are supplemental files for a total of over 28 000 codes to define each of three definitions of high risk of severe disease.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBrown-Johnson, C., DeShields, C., McCaa, M., Connell, N., Giannitrapani, S. N., Thanassi, W., Yano, E. M., Singer, S. J., Lorenz, K. A., Giannitrapani, K.
BMJ Open, 12.01.2024
Tilføjet 12.01.2024
BackgroundEmployee Occupational Health (‘occupational health’) clinicians have expansive perspectives of the experience of healthcare personnel. Integrating mental health into the purview of occupational health is a newer approach that could combat historical limitations of healthcare personnel mental health programmes, which have been isolated and underused. ObjectiveWe aimed to document innovation and opportunities for supporting healthcare personnel mental health through occupational health clinicians. This work was part of a national qualitative needs assessment of employee occupational health clinicians during COVID-19 who were very much at the centre of organisational responses. DesignThis qualitative needs assessment included key informant interviews obtained using snowball sampling methods. ParticipantsWe interviewed 43 US Veterans Health Administration occupational health clinicians from 29 facilities. ApproachThis analysis focused on personnel mental health needs and opportunities, using consensus coding of interview transcripts and modified member checking. Key resultsThree major opportunities to support mental health through occupational health involved: (1) expanded mental health needs of healthcare personnel, including opportunities to support work-related concerns (eg, traumatic deployments), home-based concerns and bereavement (eg, working with chaplains); (2) leveraging expanded roles and protocols to address healthcare personnel mental health concerns, including opportunities in expanding occupational health roles, cross-disciplinary partnerships (eg, with employee assistance programmes (EAP)) and process/protocol (eg, acute suicidal ideation pathways) and (3) need for supporting occupational health clinicians’ own mental health, including opportunities to address overwork/burn-out with adequate staffing/resources. ConclusionsOccupational health can enact strategies to support personnel mental health: to structurally sustain attention, use social cognition tools (eg, suicidality protocols or expanded job descriptions); to leverage distributed attention, enhance interdisciplinary collaboration (eg, chaplains for bereavement support or EAP) and to equip systems with resources and allow for flexibility during crises, including increased staffing.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 12.01.2024
Tilføjet 12.01.2024
Abstract Background This study aimed to assess the construct validity and reliability of the Iranian version of the COVID-19 Yorkshire Rehabilitation Scale (C19-YRS) among the elderly population. Method A cohort of 230 elderly individuals who tested positive for Covid-19 via PCR were administered a health and demographic information questionnaire along with the C19-YRS. Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted, and Cronbach’s alpha was calculated. Results Findings from the exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of the C19-YRS revealed alterations compared to the original version, resulting in an adapted version with three factors achieved by redistributing the questions. These factors accounted for 57.46% of the total variance. Despite a relatively lower factor loading in the 6th question, it was retained due to its significance among the elderly. The Cronbach’s alpha for the C19-YRS subscales ranged from 0.730 to 0.890, indicating acceptable reliability. Conclusion The validation results indicated a well-adjusted factor structure and internal consistency, affirming the utility of this tool among the elderly population. Consequently, the C19-YRS in Iran can serve as a valuable resource in healthcare settings, aiding in the assessment of chronic complications arising from Covid-19 in the elderly. It can be utilized as an initial screening or triage test and to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJon Cohen
Science, 12.01.2024
Tilføjet 12.01.2024
Suyi Yang, Germaine Ke Jia Tan, Kang Sim, Lucas Jun Hao Lim, Benjamin Yong Qiang Tan, Abhiram Kanneganti, Shirley Beng Suat Ooi, Lue Ping Ong
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 11.01.2024
Tilføjet 11.01.2024
by Suyi Yang, Germaine Ke Jia Tan, Kang Sim, Lucas Jun Hao Lim, Benjamin Yong Qiang Tan, Abhiram Kanneganti, Shirley Beng Suat Ooi, Lue Ping Ong The COVID-19 pandemic has exerted a huge emotional strain on mental health professionals (MHP) in Singapore. As Singapore transited into an endemic status, it is unclear whether the psychological strain has likewise lessened. The aims of this study were to investigate the levels of stress and burnout experienced by MHP working in a tertiary psychiatric hospital in Singapore during this phase of COVID-19 endemicity (2022) in comparison to the earlier pandemic years (2020 and 2021) and to identify factors which contribute to as well as ameliorate stress and burnout. A total of 282 MHP participated in an online survey in 2022, which included 2 validated measures, namely the Perceived Stress Scale and the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI). Participants were also asked to rank factors that contributed the most to their stress and burnout. Between-group comparisons were conducted regarding stress and burnout levels among MHP across different demographic groupings and working contexts. In addition, OLBI data completed by MHP in 2020 and 2021 were extracted from 2 published studies, and trend analysis was conducted for the proportion of MHP meeting burnout threshold across 3 time points. We found that the proportion of MHP meeting burnout threshold in 2020, 2021 and 2022 were 76.9%, 87.6% and 77.9% respectively. Professional groups, age, years of experience and income groups were associated with stress and/or burnout. High clinical workload was ranked as the top factor that contributed to stress and burnout while flexible working arrangement was ranked as the top area for improvement so as to reduce stress and burnout. As such, policy makers and hospital management may want to focus on setting clear mental health targets and facilitate manageable clinical workload, build manpower resiliency, optimize resources and provide flexible work arrangements to alleviate stress and burnout among MHP.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMaciej Koscielniak, Dorota Marciniak, Dariusz Doliński
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 11.01.2024
Tilføjet 11.01.2024
by Maciej Koscielniak, Dorota Marciniak, Dariusz Doliński Previous laboratory and field studies have demonstrated that the dishonesty of commercial transaction participants may depend on subtle cues. In this field study conducted on a sample of 216 shop assistants in Poland, we planned to demonstrate that coronavirus disease-related factors could result in an increased propensity for dishonesty among shop assistants. This investigation is unique in its application of social psychological theories to illuminate hitherto unexplored side effects of combating the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Our supposition was that the potential detriment encountered by individuals wearing solid surgical masks would involve being viewed as more abstract and remote, thereby heightening the likelihood of being deceived by a vendor. Moreover, we examined the potential relationship between the limited number of customers in retail establishments (related to pandemic restrictions) and the unscrupulous practices of sellers—specifically the act of retaining change. The effect of wearing masks was statistically non-significant, whereas the impact of other customers’ absence was significant. Moreover, unexpected results related to transaction parties’ genders were obtained, showing that shop assistants tended to be more honest when dealing with customers of the same gender. The results are discussed in the context of empathy toward masked customers, self-awareness theory, social norms of honesty, and identification with gender groups.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedSharon Teitler Regev, Tchai Tavor
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 11.01.2024
Tilføjet 11.01.2024
by Sharon Teitler Regev, Tchai Tavor The global health crisis initiated by the COVID-19 pandemic triggered unparalleled economic upheavals. In this comprehensive study of 16 countries categorized by their infection rates, we scrutinize the impact of a range of variables on stock market indices and calculate four critical ratios derived from those variables. Our regression analyses reveal striking differences in how the variables influenced stock indices in countries with low and high infection rates. Notably, in countries with low infection rates, all variables exhibited significant effects on stock returns. An increase in infection numbers and fatalities correlated with greater stock market declines, underscoring the market’s sensitivity to the health and economic risks posed by the pandemic. Recovery and testing rates also displayed positive associations with stock returns, reflecting investor optimism concerning potential recovery scenarios. Conversely, nations grappling with high infection rates experienced notably weaker effects from these variables. Although fatalities had a negative impact on stock indices, other factors, including recoveries, infections, and testing rates, did not result in significant effects. This suggests the likelihood that markets in high-infection countries had likely factored pandemic conditions into their pricing, thereby reducing the immediate impact of these metrics on stock returns. Our findings underscore the intricacies of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on stock markets and highlight the importance of tailored strategies and policies for distinct country categories. This study offers valuable insights for policymakers and investors navigating financial markets during global health crises and preparing for future epidemics.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMengling Qiao, Fuyu Zhu, Junru Chen, You Li, Xin Wang
International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 11.01.2024
Tilføjet 11.01.2024
School break / closure has been widely used as a non-pharmaceutical intervention (NPI) to mitigate severe epidemics and pandemics of respiratory infectious diseases, e.g., influenza and COVID-19. While school break has been reported to reduce the overall spread of respiratory infectious diseases [1-6], it could disproportionally affect certain population subgroups, e.g., students, which in turn reshape the epidemiology of respiratory infectious diseases in the broader population. Empirical contact data in a number of countries reveal compensatory contact behaviours during school closure compared with school term [7-9].
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedLidan Hu, Yang Yang, Jianyu Lin, Qingtao Yan, Changxuan Sun, Ziqiao Li, Lidan Sun, Jingfang Xu, Jie Chen, Guannan Bai
Journal of Medical Virology, 11.01.2024
Tilføjet 11.01.2024
Ranya F. Elemam, Jamal M. El Swiah, Abduallah O. Durda, Nagwa N. Hegazy
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 11.01.2024
Tilføjet 11.01.2024
by Ranya F. Elemam, Jamal M. El Swiah, Abduallah O. Durda, Nagwa N. Hegazy During the COVID-19 pandemic, many educational institutions switched to e-learning educational platforms. This approach was essential but raised challenges, particularly in training practitioners for medical emergencies. This approach not only led to global challenges and a need for rapid adaptation, but also raised inequities across countries, with some facing far more technical challenges than others. In Libya, low investment in education technology and unpredictable internet connectivity limited its integration into schools and universities even before the pandemic. The current study reports feedback from an online continuing dental education (CDE) course for dental practitioners that was developed emergently during the pandemic and aimed to address the challenges posed by Libya’s internet environment. Participants were recruited through social media and received an 8-hour online CDE course consisting of three modules. Participants were invited to complete a pre-course demographic/informational survey on a Google form. After passing all modules, students were prompted to complete a post-course survey consisting of 23, five-point Likert scale questions. Respondents included 43 females (74.1%) and 15 males (25.9%). For ~50% of the cohort (n = 32), this was their first online clinical course. 87.9% of post-course participants rated the course as a positive learning experience, while 90.9% agreed their learning outcomes had been achieved. Most participants (97%) agreed the course instructor explained all concepts clearly. In total, 81.8% agreed that the technology effectively supported their learning. Most agreed that a clear demarcation between each course module existed and that the language and depth of the material were adequate. Some students reported technical difficulties, and 33.3% saw repetitions in the modules. However, all post-course respondents said they would recommend the online course to colleagues. Libyan dental practitioners showed high satisfaction levels towards the e-learning process, course content, instructors’ attitudes, and overall e-learning experience despite the inherent e-learning challenges posed in this country.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedEmma J. A. Schepens, Inge Stegeman, Digna M. A. Kamalski
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 11.01.2024
Tilføjet 11.01.2024
by Emma J. A. Schepens, Inge Stegeman, Digna M. A. Kamalski Objective olfactory function can be assessed using validated olfactory tests like the Sniffin’ Sticks Test (SST). However, their extensive nature makes them less suitable for clinical practice. To address this, shorter olfactory tests like the screenings Sniffin’ Sticks Test (SST-12) can be used for screening purposes and reduce testing time. The SST-12 serves as a diagnostic tool for screening olfaction in cases unrelated to COVID-19. However, these screening tests are uncertain regarding their accuracy in detecting olfactory dysfunction in patients with COVID-19 as the plausible cause. We aim to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the SST-12 in adults with post-COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction. We performed a diagnostic accuracy study with data from 113 consecutive COVID-19 diagnosed patients who experienced objectified smell loss ever since. At approximately 6 months after their diagnosis, all participants underwent the SST (reference standard), part of the SST was the SST-12 (index test). Diagnostic accuracy of the SST-12 is measured as negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV), sensitivity, and specificity. The SST-12 detected smell loss in 85 patients among 91 patients with smell loss and ruled out smell loss in 15 patients among the 22 patients without smell loss based on the reference standard. Making sensitivity 93.4% (CI 0.87–0.97), and specificity 68.2% (CI 0.48–0.85). Out of the 92 patients with a positive test result on SST-12, 85 patients had indeed smell loss (PPV 92.4% CI 0.86–0.97), and out of the 21 patients with a negative test result, 15 patients had no smell loss regarding the reference standard (NPV 71.4% CI 0.50–0.88). The findings suggest that the SST-12 holds promise as a useful tool for identifying individuals with smell loss, also in individuals with COVID-19 as cause, but it is important to have a good understanding of the interpretation of the results of the SST-12 when considering its implementation in clinical practice.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedLee, J. S., Rose, L., Borgundvaag, B., McLeod, S. L., Melady, D., Mohindra, R., Sinha, S. K., Wesson, V., Wiesenfeld, L., Kolker, S., Kiss, A., Lowthian, J.
BMJ Open, 10.01.2024
Tilføjet 10.01.2024
IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has forced the implementation of physical distancing and self-isolation strategies worldwide. However, these measures have significant potential to increase social isolation and loneliness. Among older people, loneliness has increased from 40% to 70% during COVID-19. Previous research indicates loneliness is strongly associated with increased mortality. Thus, strategies to mitigate the unintended consequences of social isolation and loneliness are urgently needed. Following the Obesity-Related Behavioural Intervention Trials model for complex behavioural interventions, we describe a protocol for a three-arm randomised clinical trial to reduce social isolation and loneliness. Methods and analysisA multicentre, outcome assessor blinded, three-arm randomised controlled trial comparing 12 weeks of: (1) the HOspitals WoRking in Unity (‘HOW R U?’) weekly volunteer-peer support telephone intervention; (2) ‘HOW R U?’ deliver using a video-conferencing solution and (3) a standard care group. The study will follow Consolidated Standard of Reporting Trials guidelines. We will recruit 24–26 volunteers who will receive a previously tested half day lay-training session that emphasises a strength-based approach and safety procedures. We will recruit 141 participants ≥70 years of age discharged from two participating emergency departments or referred from hospital family medicine, geriatric or geriatric psychiatry clinics. Eligible participants will have probable baseline loneliness (score ≥2 on the de Jong six-item loneliness scale). We will measure change in loneliness, social isolation (Lubben social network scale), mood (Geriatric Depression Score) and quality of life (EQ-5D-5L) at 12–14 weeks postintervention initiation and again at 24–26 weeks. Ethics and disseminationApproval has been granted by the participating research ethics boards. Participants randomised to standard care will be offered their choice of telephone or video-conferencing interventions after 12 weeks. Results will be disseminated through journal publications, conference presentations, social media and through the International Federation of Emergency Medicine. Trial registration numberNCT05228782.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedChastney, J., Gill, H. K., Nyatanga, B., Patel, R., Harrison, G., Henshall, C.
BMJ Open, 10.01.2024
Tilføjet 10.01.2024
ObjectivesThe aim of this paper was to explore the experiences and support needs of ethnically diverse healthcare staff and how they were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. DesignA qualitative study using focus groups conducted remotely on Microsoft Teams. SettingThe study took place across 10 National Health Service Trusts in England; 5 were Acute Hospitals Trusts and 5 were Community and Mental Health Trusts. Participants55 participants across 16 focus groups took part in the study. Participants were all healthcare staff members from ethnically diverse backgrounds. ResultsSeven themes were generated which highlighted issues of negative experiences of discrimination at work, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, including participants often finding line managers unsupportive, appearing to lack care and compassion, and not understanding ethnic diversity issues. Participants identified many reasons for finding it difficult to speak up when faced with such experiences, such as feeling unsafe to do so, or feeling too exhausted to keep speaking up. Other staff had more positive experiences and described supportive interventions, and despite workplace difficulties, many participants discussed remaining motivated to work in the National Health Service. ConclusionsNegative day-to-day experiences of ethnically diverse healthcare staff, and the difficulty of speaking up about these align with other, international literature on this topic. Progress in the area of staff equality is vital if healthcare organisations are to continue to provide high-quality patient care and retain skilled, compassionate staff who value their place of work. Recent literature suggests that many initiatives to reduce inequalities have not been successful, and there is a call for fundamental, cultural-level change. Future research is needed to understand how best to implement these organisational-level changes and to evaluate their effectiveness.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedHuang, H., Wu, B., Lin, W.
BMJ Open, 10.01.2024
Tilføjet 10.01.2024
ObjectiveChildren with acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) pose significantly burden on healthcare facilities due to high hospitalisation rates and mortality. However, limited epidemiological and clinical characteristics data on ARTIs in southeastern China during the COVID-19 pandemic exists. DesignCross-sectional. SettingTertiary hospital associated with the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, China. Participants1007 hospitalised children diagnosed with ARTIs, aged 30 days to 15 years, were enrolled in this study from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2021. Outcome measureThe primary outcomes are the rate of pathogen infections in children with ARTIs. Secondary outcomes are the description of risk factors associated with ARTIs in children. ResultsOf the 1007 enrolled children, 28.2%, 42.2%, 21.8% and 7.7% were diagnosed with upper respiratory tract infection, bronchopneumonia, bronchitis and pneumonia, respectively. Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) was the most prevalent pathogen (31.9%), followed by influenza B virus (IFVB; 29.1%) and influenza A virus (IFVA; 19.1%). The study found that children under 1 year old (older than 30 days: ORIFVB=12.50; ORMP=8.53), children aged 1–3 years (ORMP=1.62), the winter season (ORIFVA=1.36), the time from symptoms onset to hospitalisation (ORMP=1.10) and increased precipitation (ORLP=1.01) were high-risk factors for ARTIs. ConclusionThis investigation offers significant insights into the prevalence and distribution of common pathogens among children experiencing ARTIs in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The discernment of high-risk factors linked to these pathogens enhances our understanding of the epidemiological characteristics of ARTIs in children.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJacinda M. Nicklas, Laura Pyle, Andrey Soares, Jennifer A. Leiferman, Sheana S. Bull, Suhong Tong, Ann E. Caldwell, Nanette Santoro, Linda A. Barbour
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 10.01.2024
Tilføjet 10.01.2024
by Jacinda M. Nicklas, Laura Pyle, Andrey Soares, Jennifer A. Leiferman, Sheana S. Bull, Suhong Tong, Ann E. Caldwell, Nanette Santoro, Linda A. Barbour Background Postpartum women with overweight/obesity and a history of adverse pregnancy outcomes are at elevated risk for cardiometabolic disease. Postpartum weight loss and lifestyle changes can decrease these risks, yet traditional face-to-face interventions often fail. We adapted the Diabetes Prevention Program into a theory-based mobile health (mHealth) program called Fit After Baby (FAB) and tested FAB in a randomized controlled trial. Methods The FAB program provided 12 weeks of daily evidence-based content, facilitated tracking of weight, diet, and activity, and included weekly coaching and gamification with points and rewards. We randomized women at 6 weeks postpartum 2:1 to FAB or to the publicly available Text4baby (T4B) app (active control). We measured weight and administered behavioral questionnaires at 6 weeks, and 6 and 12 months postpartum, and collected app user data. Results 81 eligible women participated (77% White, 2% Asian, 15% Black, with 23% Hispanic), mean baseline BMI 32±5 kg/m2 and age 31±5 years. FAB participants logged into the app a median of 51/84 (IQR 25,71) days, wore activity trackers 66/84 (IQR 43,84) days, logged weight 17 times (IQR 11,24), and did coach check-ins 5.5/12 (IQR 4,9) weeks. The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted data collection for the primary 12-month endpoint, and impacted diet, physical activity, and body weight for many participants. At 12 months postpartum women in the FAB group lost 2.8 kg [95% CI -4.2,-1.4] from baseline compared to a loss of 1.8 kg [95% CI -3.8,+0.3] in the T4B group (p = 0.42 for the difference between groups). In 60 women who reached 12 months postpartum before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, women randomized to FAB lost 4.3 kg [95% CI -6.0,-2.6] compared to loss in the control group of 1.3 kg [95% CI -3.7,+1.1] (p = 0.0451 for the difference between groups). Conclusions There were no significant differences between groups for postpartum weight loss for the entire study population. Among those unaffected by the COVID pandemic, women randomized to the FAB program lost significantly more weight than those randomized to the T4B program. The mHealth FAB program demonstrated a substantial level of engagement. Given the scalability and potential public health impact of the FAB program, the efficacy for decreasing cardiometabolic risk by increasing postpartum weight loss should be tested in a larger trial.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedViguerie, Alex; Song, Ruiguang; Johnson, Anna Satcher; Lyles, Cynthia M.; Hernandez, Angela; Farnham, Paul G.
AIDS, 9.01.2024
Tilføjet 9.01.2024
Objective: :COVID-19 and related disruptions led to a significant decline in HIV diagnoses in the US in 2020. A previous analysis estimated 18% fewer diagnoses than expected among persons with HIV (PWH) acquiring infection in 2019 or earlier, suggesting that the decline in overall diagnoses cannot be attributed solely to decreased transmission. This analysis evaluates the progress made towards closing the 2020 diagnosis deficit in 2021. Methods: :We apply previously developed methods analyzing 2021 diagnosis data from the National HIV Surveillance System to determine whether 2021 diagnosis levels of PWH infected pre2020 are above or below the expected pre-COVID trends. Results are stratified by assigned sex at birth, transmission group, geographic region, and race/ethnicity. Results: :In 2021, HIV diagnoses returned to pre-COVID levels among all PWH acquiring infection 2011-19. Among Hispanic/Latino PWH and males, diagnoses returned to pre-COVID levels. White PWH, men who have sex with men, and PWH living in the south and northeast showed higher-than-expected levels of diagnosis in 2021. For the remaining populations, there were fewer HIV diagnoses in 2021 than expected. Conclusions: :While overall diagnoses among persons acquiring HIV pre2020 returned to pre-COVID levels, the diagnosis gap observed in 2020 remained unclosed at the end of 2021. Fewer than expected diagnoses among certain populations indicate that COVID-19 related disruptions to HIV diagnosis trends remained in 2021. Although some groups showed higher-than-expected levels of diagnoses, such increases were smaller than corresponding 2020 decreases. Expanded testing programs designed to close these gaps are essential. Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedVerinumbe, Tarfa; Lesko, Catherine R.; Moore, Richard D.; Fojo, Anthony T.; Keruly, Jeanne; Snow, LaQuita N.; Hutton, Heidi; Chander, Geetanjali; Pytell, Jarratt D.; Falade-Nwulia, Oluwaseun
AIDS, 9.01.2024
Tilføjet 9.01.2024
Objective: This study sought to characterize changes in depressive symptom severity during the COVID-19 pandemic and the association of these changes with HIV viral nonsuppression among people with HIV (PWH). Design: A clinical cohort study. Methods: We included PWH in the Johns Hopkins HIV Clinical Cohort who completed the Patient Health Questionnaire 8 (PHQ-8) prepandemic (1 March 2018 to 28 February 2020) and during the COVID-era (1 September 2020 to 28 February 2022). PWH were classified according to depression severity categories prepandemic and during the COVID-era as: consistently depressed (prepandemic PHQ-8 >4 and no change in severity category); consistently nondepressed (prepandemic PHQ-8 ≤4 and no change in severity category); worsened (changed to a higher severity category) and; improved (change to a lower severity category). The association between changes in depressive symptom severity and viral nonsuppression (HIV RNA >200 copies/ml on the earliest viral load measured 7 days before to 12 months after the COVID-era PHQ-8 survey) was assessed using multivariable logistic regression. Results: Of 793 PWH, mean age was 56 (SD 10) years, 60% were male individuals and 88% were Black. After the onset of the pandemic, 60% were consistently nondepressed, 9% were consistently depressed, 15% worsened and 16% improved. PWH who worsened had 2.47 times the odds of viral nonsuppression (95% CI: 1.09–5.55) compared with the nondepressed group. Associations among other groups were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Worsening depression during the COVID era was associated with HIV viral nonsuppression. Strategies to monitor and address depression among PWH may contribute to reduced risk of viral nonsuppression. Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMyers, L. C., Lawson, B. L., Escobar, G. J., Daly, K. A., Chen, Y.-f. I., Dlott, R., Lee, C., Liu, V.
BMJ Open, 9.01.2024
Tilføjet 9.01.2024
ObjectivesIn the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, health systems implemented programmes to manage outpatients with COVID-19. The goal was to expedite patients’ referral to acute care and prevent overcrowding of medical centres. We sought to evaluate the impact of such a programme, the COVID-19 Home Care Team (CHCT) programme. DesignRetrospective cohort. SettingKaiser Permanente Northern California. ParticipantsAdult members before COVID-19 vaccine availability (1 February 2020–31 January 2021) with positive SARS-CoV-2 tests. InterventionVirtual programme to track and treat patients with ‘CHCT programme’. OutcomesThe outcomes were (1) COVID-19-related emergency department visit, (2) COVID-19-related hospitalisation and (3) inpatient mortality or 30-day hospice referral. MeasuresWe estimated the average effect comparing patients who were and were not treated by CHCT. We estimated propensity scores using an ensemble super learner (random forest, XGBoost, generalised additive model and multivariate adaptive regression splines) and augmented inverse probability weighting. ResultsThere were 98 585 patients with COVID-19. The majority were followed by CHCT (n=80 067, 81.2%). Patients followed by CHCT were older (mean age 43.9 vs 41.6 years, p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedGreen, M. A., McKee, M., Massey, J., Mackenna, B., Mehrkar, A., Bacon, S., Macleod, J., Sheikh, A., Shah, S. A., The OpenSAFELY Consortium, The Longitudinal Health and Wellbeing National Core Study Collaborative, Katikireddi, S. V.
BMJ Open, 9.01.2024
Tilføjet 9.01.2024
ObjectiveTo determine whether periods of disruption were associated with increased ‘avoidable’ hospital admissions and wider social inequalities in England. DesignObservational repeated cross-sectional study. SettingEngland (January 2019 to March 2022). ParticipantsWith the approval of NHS England we used individual-level electronic health records from OpenSAFELY, which covered ~40% of general practices in England (mean monthly population size 23.5 million people). Primary and secondary outcome measuresWe estimated crude and directly age-standardised rates for potentially preventable unplanned hospital admissions: ambulatory care sensitive conditions and urgent emergency sensitive conditions. We considered how trends in these outcomes varied by three measures of social and spatial inequality: neighbourhood socioeconomic deprivation, ethnicity and geographical region. ResultsThere were large declines in avoidable hospitalisations during the first national lockdown (March to May 2020). Trends increased post-lockdown but never reached 2019 levels. The exception to these trends was for vaccine-preventable ambulatory care sensitive admissions which remained low throughout 2020–2021. While trends were consistent by each measure of inequality, absolute levels of inequalities narrowed across levels of neighbourhood socioeconomic deprivation, Asian ethnicity (compared with white ethnicity) and geographical region (especially in northern regions). ConclusionsWe found no evidence that periods of healthcare disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in more avoidable hospitalisations. Falling avoidable hospital admissions has coincided with declining inequalities most strongly by level of deprivation, but also for Asian ethnic groups and northern regions of England.
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